The Physiotherapy Board of Australia exists to protect the public and to support physiotherapists to provide safe healthcare.

Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2008) Dr Melissa Locke FACP describes her near-40-year career as nothing short of extraordinary.

When the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, life became more difficult for many of its citizens.

One such person was physiotherapist Fahima Mohammadi from Kabul.

‘I graduated as a physiotherapist in 2013 and worked in private hospitals and for some NGOs like the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee and the International Rescue Committee,’ says Fahima.

I am deeply honoured to be named President Elect of the APA.

This is a recently created position, to be appointed by the APA Board in the final year of the current National President’s term.

The role enables a smooth transition of leadership and continuity of the vision and key responsibilities of the APA National President.

As co-Vice President of the APA, I have had the privilege of witnessing National President Scott Willis advocate tirelessly for the profession.

People living with dementia can benefit greatly from participating in physiotherapy but there are a number of barriers to their accessing care.

The LGBTQIA+ community makes up over 10 per cent of the Australian population. 

Among 16–24-year-olds, it could be up to 20 per cent. 

This means that a large proportion of our clients, students, colleagues and employees may be LGBTQIA+.

I thought I would use this first issue to provide you with some insight into my career journey to date and early impressions of the terrific work being undertaken at the APA.

Entering my physiotherapy studies, I had big plans. 

As a huge sports fan and Melbourne Demons tragic, I envisaged myself as the physio running out onto the MCG and treating elite athletes. 

Instead, I went on another exciting journey.

The Physiotherapy Board of Australia recognises and celebrates all physiotherapists and the critical work they do supporting better health in the community on World Physiotherapy Day 2024. 

This year the focus is on low back pain and the role of physiotherapy in its management and prevention.

The release of the draft outline of the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy in June has thrust the future of allied health professions into the policy limelight.